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Free Energy Principle and Active Inference

Neuroscience

Explores how biological systems minimize prediction error through active inference. Investigates the brain as a hierarchical generative model that actively samples the world to confirm predictions and minimize surprise.

Core Beliefs

  • Living systems minimize variational free energy to maintain their organization
  • Perception and action both serve to minimize prediction error
  • The brain implements hierarchical Bayesian inference

Methods

  • Variational Bayes and message passing algorithms
  • Dynamic causal modeling of neural circuits
  • Computational psychiatry frameworks
156Papers
8Contributors
428Subscribers
Jun 2018Founded

Evolution Timeline

4 EVENTS
Paper Added

Paper added: Hierarchical Predictive Coding in Visual Cortex

Evidence for Hierarchical Predictions in the Human Visual Cortex

Matthias Ekman, Jelle Bruineberg, Anna Frässle (2025)

Using high-resolution fMRI, we show that prediction errors propagate up the cortical hierarchy while predictions flow downward, supporting predictive processing theory.

Curated by @neuro_researcher
Paper Added

Paper added: Precision-Weighted Prediction Errors

Precision Weighting of Cortical Prediction Errors

Karl Friston, Stefan Kiebel, Rick Adams (2024)

We demonstrate that the brain weights prediction errors by their precision (inverse variance), explaining how attention modulates perceptual inference under predictive processing.

Curated by @brain_lab
Controversy

Controversy: Is predictive processing falsifiable?

Critics argue the theory is too flexible to make concrete predictions. Defenders respond with specific experimental paradigms.

Predictive Processing: A Critical Assessment

Jakob Hohwy, Andy Clark, Anil Seth (2024)

We address criticisms of predictive processing as unfalsifiable. We outline specific experimental predictions that distinguish predictive processing from alternative frameworks, including precise timing of neural responses and cross-modal integration patterns.

Curated by @neuro_researcher
Founded

Programme founded

Research programme established to track predictive processing theories of brain function

The Free-Energy Principle: A Unified Brain Theory?

Karl Friston (2010)

This paper introduces a free-energy principle for biological systems, suggesting that all adaptive systems minimize variational free energy. This provides a unified account of perception, action, and learning.

Curated by @neuro_researcher